BLM and Partners Target Invasive Weeds to Enhance Resiliency of Critical Habitat in Southwestern Idaho
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BOISE, Idaho—In a proactive step to invest in healthy, resilient public lands, the Bureau of Land Management Boise District in southwestern Idaho, partnering with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Pheasants Forever will conduct the following aerial herbicide treatment:
- Jacks Creek: Approximately 23,600 acres of BLM Bruneau Field Office managed lands located approximately 24 miles southwest of Bruneau, ID in Owyhee County.
Treatments are scheduled to begin October 23, 2026, and last up to three weeks, depending on weather, wildfire activity, and other operational conditions. They are intended to reduce invasive annual grasses and hazardous fine fuels, maintain strategic fuel breaks and improve the establishment and long-term success of desirable perennial vegetation. Strengthening landscapes before wildfire strikes is part of a shared commitment to manage healthy rangelands, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce wildfire risk through hazardous fuels mitigation.
Treatments will use the BLM-approved herbicides imazapic and indaziflam. Application rates will vary by project area based on vegetation and management objectives.
These treatment areas are in remote areas of Owyhee County, however, the public may see low-flying aircraft over designated treatment areas and should avoid those areas while applications are underway. USWFS employees will be present in project areas before and during application. Federal officials appreciate the public’s cooperation as these treatments invest in the long-term health and resilience of public lands and reduce wildfire risk.
Rangelands in Idaho and across the West have been heavily impacted by destructive wildfires, exacerbated by drought, insects, and disease, leaving millions of acres vulnerable to future wildfires. Since 2000, wildfires have burned an average of 7.3 million acres annually, with BLM lands seeing an average of 240,000 acres affected each year. This year alone, wildfires have burned over 3.3 million acres of BLM-managed lands, and 9 million acres of all jurisdictions nationwide.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.